Navigating the Data Maze: How Informatica and HowGood Are Reshaping Food Sustainability

September 27, 2024, 10:48 pm
Informatica
Informatica
BusinessCloudDataEnterpriseInformationITManagementPlatformServiceSoftware
Location: United States, California, Redwood City
Employees: 5001-10000
Founded date: 1993
HowGood
HowGood
AdTechChemicalsDataDatabaseE-commerceEnvironmentalMaterialsPlatformProductSocial
Location: United States, New York, Town of Marbletown
Employees: 11-50
Founded date: 2007
Total raised: $29.2M
The food industry is a labyrinth of complexity. Tracking sustainability is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Enter Informatica and HowGood, two companies on a mission to simplify this daunting task. Their recent partnership aims to tackle the “garbage in, garbage out” problem plaguing food and agriculture data.

In the world of food production, the stakes are high. Consumers demand transparency. Regulations tighten. Companies must navigate a minefield of scope 3 emissions—those indirect emissions that occur throughout the supply chain. These emissions can account for a staggering 65% to 95% of a company’s total carbon footprint. Yet, many agrifood corporations find themselves lost, unsure of where to begin.

Informatica, a leader in data management, recognizes this challenge. Their global chief ESG sustainability strategist, Levent Ergin, points out that many companies are stuck. They lack the tools to harness the data available to them. Without accurate data, companies risk falling into the trap of greenwashing. The solution? A robust partnership with HowGood, a sustainability intelligence platform.

HowGood is not just another data provider. It’s a treasure trove of sustainability metrics. With access to over 90,000 agricultural emission factors, HowGood analyzes food products based on greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, soil health, and water usage. Their Latis software pulls from more than 600 data sources, providing insights on over 33,000 ingredients. This is data-driven sustainability at its finest.

The integration of HowGood’s data into Informatica’s AI-powered Intelligent Data Management Cloud (IDMC) is a game changer. It allows food companies to gain a 360-degree view of their supply chains. This shared visibility is crucial. It enables companies to make informed decisions, reducing their environmental impact while enhancing their ESG performance.

The food industry is notoriously complex. A global catering company, for instance, may use hundreds of ingredients across various recipes. Mapping out the emissions linked to each ingredient is no small feat. Yet, with the right data, companies can link their transactional data to their sustainability metrics. This connection is vital for compliance with regulations, such as the EU’s Deforestation Regulation.

Informatica’s partnership with HowGood is about more than just data. It’s about creating a data hub that addresses regulatory challenges and accelerates sustainability transformation. The goal is clear: to empower food companies to make decisions that are not only profitable but also environmentally responsible.

As consumer demand for ethical products grows, the pressure on food companies intensifies. They must demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. This partnership equips them with the tools needed to analyze the socio-environmental impact of their products. It’s about turning data into actionable insights.

Informatica’s platform is designed to streamline the process. Traditionally, companies would fill out lengthy Excel spreadsheets, a process fraught with potential errors. Now, with Informatica handling the heavy lifting, companies can access trusted data quickly. This efficiency is crucial in a fast-paced industry where time is of the essence.

The integration is already available, allowing users to embed sustainability data directly into their product management workflows. This means that decisions can be made with a clear understanding of the environmental impact. From sourcing ingredients to menu planning, every step can be informed by data.

The partnership also highlights a broader trend in the food industry. As companies face increasing scrutiny, the need for transparency has never been greater. The collaboration between Informatica and HowGood is a response to this demand. It’s a step towards a more sustainable future, where data drives decision-making.

The implications of this partnership extend beyond individual companies. As more agrifood corporations adopt data-driven sustainability practices, the entire industry stands to benefit. Improved transparency can lead to greater accountability. It can foster a culture of sustainability that permeates every level of the supply chain.

In conclusion, the partnership between Informatica and HowGood is a beacon of hope in the complex world of food sustainability. It offers a roadmap for companies struggling to navigate the data maze. By providing access to comprehensive sustainability data, this collaboration empowers food manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers to make informed, ethical choices.

As the food industry evolves, the importance of accurate data will only grow. Companies that embrace this change will not only meet consumer demands but also contribute to a healthier planet. The future of food sustainability is here, and it’s powered by data.